CALIBRATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF MEASUREMENT’S QUALITY!

For the rest of the world is … «ΙΣΟ» rather than ISO, honoring the Greek origins of the concept behind the word: quality!
Because … specifications, standards, quality control, even calibration, data was first processed in Ancient Athens!

The requirements to the manufacturer were very specific! They had to build the poles and piles, under-prescribed and documented sign-requirements on a marble inscription, in order for them to cope with the attributes claimed for every single link!
Equally important for the process of construction was, all quality inspections, measurements and verifications to be included; so the end result would be «IΣΟ (equal) to the originals (standards)» which had been delivered to the manufacturer.

Therefore, whenever we have to repeat a structure IΣΟ (equal) to a standard, the measurements carried out, should be reliable. Moreover, every time one needs to apply a certain force, a certain weight, a certain pressure, a certain inclination (angle), etc., to create an IΣΟ (equal with the original) effect, we need reliable tools and devices!

The fidelity of the tools, measuring and control devices becomes a major factor, in order for the result to be IΣΟ (equal).
The calibration is the procedure through which accuracy in measurement is being confirmed (or the implementation of units). The measuring tools and devices are subject to very specific and strict procedures (in circumscribed standards) and are being tested regularly in specific intervals, to make sure that they measure correctly.

Calibration is a process that we all unconsciously, to some extent, we use in our lives.

We are being weighted on the same scale, because this is the only way to rightly watch the progress of our weight. However, at regular intervals we might use the scale in the pharmacies because we know that there the scales are calibrated so they are even more reliable.
We set the phone to automatically correct the time using data from the mobile network and we often cross check our wristwatch, to syncronize!

When the requirements of the measurement result are not very strict, then such confirmation is enough. However, when the need for measurement, is imperative to have excellent accuracy (perhaps several decimals) then the accuracy of the measurement quality is important!

Let us think the need for accuracy in a chemical laboratory which applies specific contaminants for the making of a drug and which has to have precision weight components for two decimals!

Would it be acceptable for the scale not to be reliable?

The same applies to a car repairer where the manufacturer requests a specific force (torque) and specific order for the screws, holding the parts together, to be tightened!
A number of other production processes, implement metrics which are required to be reliable.

For each measuring tool – device, there is a prescribed, demanding and confirmed calibration procedure and equipment (devices, tools or standard units), which are of a higher quality (precise measurement)!

In short, calibration of the measuring equipment which is used directly or indirectly in the production process has a very important role in the quality of the end product, to be sidelined!

It is a factor for evolution and yet costs saving if we take into account the errors which will be avoided.